Entertaining Angels

As a recently widowed vicar’s wife, Grace has discovered a freedom denied to her for the past forty years and is now determined to do and say what she wants.  To help her move on from her life of duty she talks to her dead husband who appears, visible only to Grace and the audience, usually through the greenhouse in the garden he loved to tend.

The return from Africa of her missionary sister Ruth forces Grace to confront some disturbing facts about her marriage. Daughter Jo is also trying to cope with her own marital problems and the new female vicar is struggling to come to terms with her past indiscretions and begins to doubt her readiness to take up the ministry.

Lisa Turpcu gave a truly superb performance as Grace. An emotional portrayal of the dutiful vicar’s wife, who in her own words has “poured two hundred thousand cups of tea, made four thousand six hundred medium sized quiches…And for what?  Very well done.

Jem Deans as Bardolph the deceased vicar, looked suitably bemused and confused by the outpourings of his widow, trying to offer words of sympathy and encouragement to be followed by apologies and explanations as the story unfolds.

Margaret Stainton was excellent as Ruth whose confession of a dalliance with her sister’s husband 30 years previously initially weakens their already fragile relationship.

There were also strong performances from Liz Pickup as Sarah the new vicar and Lauren O’Neill as Grace’s daughter Jo.

The action all takes place in the vicarage garden and what a garden it was.  Complete in every detail from the French windows surrounded by wisteria, a greenhouse filled with plants and other gardening paraphernalia and a cleverly constructed trout stream meandering out onto an apron and lit to replicate moving water. All surrounded by loads of greenery which added to the authenticity.  Many congratulations to everyone involved with the design, construction, painting and dressing of this excellent set.

There were also some very good sound effects, from the hum of a lawnmower, the babbling stream, birdsong and church bells, all transporting you into the heart of the action.

The costumes were of modern times and suited to the characters. 

This is a very emotionally charged and thought-provoking play filled with painful confessions, but lifted by the inclusion in the script of plenty of humour.  I was totally absorbed into the action, my mind never once straying.    Director Sue Clarke can be justifiably proud of this production.

Thank you Much Hadham Drama Group for a very enjoyable evening.

   

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